Narrow-Leaved Coneflower (Echinacea) vs Phantom Hydrangea

Narrow-Leaved Coneflower is a native perennial wildflower known for its pink to pale purple, daisy-like blooms. The petals (rays) droop downwards, around a dark, domed center, giving the flower a cone-like appearance. The nectar-rich blossoms attract a wide variety of pollinators, including native bees and butterflies. After flowering, the seeds provide food for birds, further adding to its ecological value.

Once established, it is drought-tolerant due to its deep taproot, which also helps stabilize soil. Narrow-Leaved Coneflower thrives in a variety of well-drained soils, including sandy, rocky, and alkaline. It often grows alongside the native grasses that characterize prairie and grassland ecosystems, making it well-suited for prairie and grassland restoration, naturalization, and pollinator gardens.

Phantom Hydrangea is a striking deciduous shrub with impressive blooms. It is multi-stemmed and produces pale green flowers that fade to white and soft pink as they mature. These flower clusters can reach up to 15” (40cm) long and while other shrubs will droop from the flowers' weight, Phantom Hydrangea has sturdy stems that support them.

This adaptable shrub will make a beautiful addition to your yard as a flowering hedge or as an ornamental plant on its own. Try pruning the flowers after they are spent to get even larger flower heads.

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